My Focused PLN
My Professional Learning Network will focus on technologies in educational institutes including schools and libraries. I’m keen to find out what tech is being used and with what success, what to jump into and what to avoid. Examples of lessons and projects would also be helpful.
I looked at these communities:
ISTE Professional Learning Networks
I decided to join Microsoft Educators Community (MEC) because it best supports my PLN goals. Apple Teacher was out because I don’t own an i device. Google Educators was tempting because our district is delving headfirst into Google devices and platforms but it didn’t have a hook. The ISTE Professional Learning Networks didn’t seem as dynamic as the one I chose. The hook that caught me from MEC was its Share your expertise page. AMAZING to have a plethora of experts at my virtual fingertips! Imagine the virtual trips the kids could go on. The experts they might be able to consult in the fields of their particular interest. They could take buddies to places they’ve visited before, or learn from people they might never rub shoulders with otherwise. This is a fantastic resource. Totally worth sharing my deets for. Perhaps you’ll join me. 🙂
ADST: Design Thinking/Human-Centred Design Thinking
A recent read of Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Design Thinking & Human-Centred Design Thinking by Sandra Averill and Stacey Bernier (also available on issuu platfom), brought me back fifteen years to when I studied Industrial Design (product design).
Design thinking
Human-centred design thinking
I have used the processes depicted above and described by Averill and Bernier many times in the design of products, but also apply it to other areas. The fact that this process is being introduced to students of all ages is fantastic. It gives students a process and strategy for solving problems in any area of life. The focus on human-centred design fosters the develop of empathy in students and ensures that the results will be user-friendly.
A recommended read to find out more!
The book also provided a link to a video describing a school’s student expedition project. The students are exposed to a problem and then they work interdisciplinarily on it over the course of the year. Their example was to create a device to harness natural energy. It would be fantastic to use this model for all students. Purpose drives enthusiasm and opens pathways. Establishing a team of teachers committed to the same focus would be brilliant, and beneficial for the students’ learning.
SAMR and TPACK
TPACK
A study of font and colour
What do you think?
First blog post
Welcome to my blog!
This is it… here we go. Firstly, thank you for joining me on my maiden blogging journey. I will post bits and pieces related to my course for reference, and encourage discussion along the way. I’m reaching out, and hope you’ll reach back!
Let’s get started with a video link… 7 Ways | The ISTE Standards for Students Music Video
Patricia's Learnings 